Kolb Trade Strengthened The Defense

Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie was the focal point of the 2011 trade that sent quarterback Kevin Kolb to Arizona. But also included in the package was Arizona’s 2012 second-round pick. During draft weekend in April, head coach Andy Reid and general manager Howie Roseman took that second-round pick, the 51st overall selection, and traded it to Green Bay. In doing so, the Eagles moved back eight spots and also gained a fourth-round pick.

The second-round pick was used on defensive end Vinny Curry, while the extra fourth netted slot corner Brandon Boykin. Curry, famously an Eagles fan before being drafted by the team, was immediately aware of his part in the Kolb trade.

“When it happened, I thought about that. It was crazy; it’s still crazy,” Curry said. “I thought it was a good deal. I thought DRC, at the time, was one of the best corners in the league.

“Kolb got what he wanted, to be a starter, and we got DRC, who is one of the primary lockdown corners in the league. And we got me and Boykin… Having him on the team is huge. He’s awesome.”

So far, the Eagles have to be ecstatic with their return. Rodgers-Cromartie has emerged as a top-flight cornerback. Curry provides key depth at defensive end and will be called upon for years to come. And Boykin has already made his presence felt this season by making big play after big play.